If someone had told me a decade ago that I would be clean and sober from hard drugs and alcohol, helping others navigate their suffering while teaching mindfulness, I would have laughed in disbelief. My path has been anything but linear; it’s been a tapestry woven with struggles, setbacks, and ultimately, profound transformation.
My journey into addiction began at a young age. I first had my stomach pumped at just 13, marking the onset of a severe battle with various substances and toxic behaviours. I was lost, running from feelings and truths I didn’t even know existed. Like a game of whack-a-mole, I would switch from one addiction to another, desperately seeking solace in the wrong places. Throughout my twenties, I had no direction, focused more on partying and feeding a huge appetite for pleasure in all the wrong ways. I tried my hand at many things, but nothing seemed to fill the void I was searching for. This chaotic lifestyle left me grappling with deep depression and anxiety, intensifying my feelings of isolation and despair.
In February 2020, everything changed when my older brother, a vibrant and healthy individual, was diagnosed with cancer. His sudden passing in May shattered my world and sent me spiralling into a depth of despair I had never known. The shock of losing him rocked my entire existence, and I found myself drowning deeper in sorrow, resorting to drinking day and night as a way to escape the pain. Each sip offered a momentary reprieve, but it quickly became a dangerous cycle that left me feeling more lost than ever.
In those dark days, I struggled to see a way out. My years of suffering suddenly felt magnified; all the pain I had experienced before was now compounded by this tremendous loss. It was a cherry on top of my already overwhelming struggles. I reached lows that I didn't even know existed, and the thought of suicide began to creep into my mind as a way to end the unbearable torment. I felt completely trapped, consumed by grief and addiction, with no clear path forward.
Yet, in that moment of profound darkness, I had a choice: I could either succumb to my despair or seek a path of healing and growth. Despite the heaviness in my heart, I chose the latter.
As I embarked on my journey towards recovery, I discovered the healing power of mindfulness and meditation. Initially, I struggled with these practices, overthinking every aspect and feeling overwhelmed by my own thoughts. However, over time, through consistent study and practice, I began to understand that mindfulness is not about doing, it's about simply being. It’s about disentangling our awareness from the mind and embracing the present moment without judgment. This revelation transformed my approach to life and recovery.
Alongside mindfulness, entheogens played a significant role in my healing journey. Working with psilocybin mushrooms and Ayahuasca allowed me to uncover repressed trauma from my youth, bringing to light memories I had long buried. These substances provided me with insights and clarity, enabling me to process and accept my past traumas. This deep work not only facilitated healing but also allowed me to cultivate a profound sense of self-awareness and connection to my true self.
As I navigated through my recovery, I welcomed a life filled with joy, purpose, and creativity. I have developed a love for cooking nourishing vegetarian meals that sustain both body and soul. I find peace and inspiration in nature, whether I’m camping under the stars or tending to my garden. I enjoy the soothing sounds of my Native American flute and take pleasure in moments spent with my loved ones, including my three beloved cats. Living in the present moment has become my guiding principle, and I find immense joy in the simple things that life has to offer.
Today, my mission extends far beyond addiction recovery; I aim to help others navigate various aspects of suffering, whether it be emotional pain, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from oneself and others. My greatest passion lies in guiding others along the path of self-discovery and transformation. With my unique experiences and the profound transformation I’ve undergone, combined with my ongoing training and studies, I am equipped to support others through their journeys.
I have completed various trainings and courses, including an intensive Addiction Recovery and Entheogen Integration Coaching course with Being True to You. Currently, I’m pursuing rigorous MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) teacher training to ensure I provide the highest quality instruction and further deepen my knowledge and practice of mindfulness.
I believe that true healing goes beyond simply abstaining from substances and managing our depression, anxiety and suffering. It’s about rediscovering your authentic true self and cultivating a life filled with love, peace, presence, purpose and connection.
My approach is highly personalised, I meet clients where they are on their unique paths, creating tailored strategies that resonate with their experiences. I draw from a wealth of knowledge gained through numerous online courses and extensive reading and studies, combined with the profound insights that come from lived experience. Together, we can uncover the strength and resilience that resides within you, empowering you to navigate your journey of self-discovery and transformation
As someone who has walked through the fires of addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and deep suffering, and then emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, I understand the struggles and challenges you may be facing. My aim is to guide you in transforming your relationship with suffering, helping you find the tools and strategies to navigate life’s complexities. Together, we can explore the depths of your being, allowing you to embrace your true nature and live a life that feels fulfilling and authentic.
If you’re ready to start on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation, I’m here to walk alongside you. Let’s cultivate mindfulness, embrace the present moment, and create a life filled with peace, presence, and profound connection.
Your path to transformation starts here, and together, we can uncover the beauty that lies within you.